Towards a sustainable and profitable soybean cultivation in Flanders

Main research question/goal

Is it possible to introduce soybean production in Flanders in an economical and sustainable way? Flanders is highly dependent from import of soy from Latin America. This import is rising not only social and ecological questions, but the economic impact for the Flemish farmers is high due to volatile and high prices. Previous research has shown the necessity to increase soybean yield in order to become a profitable crop for Belgian farmers. Also protein contents need to be high; certainly when farmers want to achieve food grade quality and prices. Higher prices for Belgian soybeans could also be achieved by creating added value for Belgian soy within the animal feed sector.

Research approach

Farmers in Flanders who start with soybean cultivation need extra support to successfully integrate this new crop into their crop rotation. Increasing the yield of soybeans per hectare and consequently increasing the profitability of soybean cultivation in Flanders is the challenge of this project. A second track to increase the profitability of soy cultivation in Flanders is to create different markets for locally produced soybeans. During this project, the development of a value chain for local soybeans in animal nutrition will be encouraged.

Relevance/Valorisation

The economic impact for farmers who grow soy can be high. A new profitable leguminous crop in the crop rotation offers many perspectives. With the development of Belgian soy, also the supply and processing industries will have access to a new, sustainably produced resource.  

Funding provider(s)
Agrifirm
Alpro
Anné Mechnaisatie
AVEVE
BFA
Boerenbond
Borlix
CNH Industrial Belgium
Colruyt
Jorion-Philip Seeds
LIDL
Man@Machine
Maschio
Rikolto
Steeno NV
VLAIO

External partner(s)
Inagro
KULeuven